Blues edge Chiefs 20-19 to stay Super Rugby title defense alive

The Auckland Blues secured a dramatic 20-19 victory over the top-seeded Waikato Chiefs in a Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final, keeping their title defense alive with a last-minute try by replacement lock Josh Beehre, converted by Beauden Barrett. Despite trailing 19-13 late in the match and the Chiefs holding the lead for most of the game, the Blues relentlessly attacked the Chiefs' try line, culminating in Beehre's decisive score after the final siren. Damian McKenzie contributed 14 points for the Chiefs, including penalties and a try by centre Daniel Rona, while the Blues relied on Barrett's key conversions and penalties. The Chiefs, although losing, still advanced to the semifinals as the highest-ranked loser under the playoffs' 'lucky losers' rule, setting up a match against either the ACT Brumbies or Wellington Hurricanes. The match was marked by a fierce forward battle and an intense duel between All Blacks flyhalves McKenzie and Barrett, with both teams showing strong defensive resilience and missed opportunities. This upset victory means the Blues continue their campaign to defend their Super Rugby title, while the Chiefs aim to recover in the semifinals.